Water-Based Cosmetic Ink Stability and Migration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic inks face issues with stability, application properties, and durability, particularly in the eye region, where they tend to migrate, smudge, and cause 'touch-up' due to their oil or silicone-based composition, leading to inadequate water-resistance and aesthetic concerns.

Innovation Solution

A water-based cosmetic ink composition combining acryl-based polymers, polymeric ionic thickeners, anionic or amphoteric-ionic surfactants, and non-ionic surfactants with PEG or PPG units, which creates a stable, highly adhesive, and water-resistant film that prevents migration and smudging, while maintaining ease of application and aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If oil-based or silicone-based inks are used, then the mass is well distributed on the skin, but the material has a tendency to migrate into wrinkles and causes touch-up due to lipophilia

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution uniformityVSAvoidmigration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the ink base from oil/silicone to water, which fundamentally alters the interaction with skin lipids. Water-based formulation eliminates lipophilia-driven migration while maintaining distribution uniformity through controlled evaporation and adhesion mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces water as an intermediary medium that facilitates uniform distribution through capillary action and evaporation control, while preventing migration by eliminating the lipophilic drive. Water acts as a temporary carrier that deposits pigment without the migratory tendencies of oil-based systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If silicone resins are added to improve adhesion, then the material adheres longer, but unpleasant tautness feelings occur due to film formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion durationVSAvoidtautness sensation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the polymer architecture parameters by using polymers with specific molecular weights and functional groups that provide adhesion without forming continuous films. The polymer concentration and molecular characteristics are optimized to ensure binding strength while maintaining breathability and comfort, eliminating tautness sensations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies polymer modification locally by incorporating specific functional groups at strategic positions within the polymer structure. This localized functionalization provides adhesion at the pigment-skin interface without creating a continuous film that causes tautness, achieving selective bonding without global film formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If emulsion-based inks are used, then pigment settlement is reduced, but viscosity increases and application properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepigment suspension stabilityVSAvoidapplication fluidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the emulsion parameters by controlling droplet size, interfacial tension, and phase ratio to achieve stable pigment suspension without excessive viscosity. The emulsion is formulated to remain stable during storage while maintaining flow characteristics suitable for application, balancing stability and applicability through precise parameter control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces surfactants and dispersants as intermediary agents that stabilize the emulsion interface between oil and water phases. These intermediaries prevent pigment aggregation and phase separation while maintaining low viscosity by facilitating smooth flow, thus achieving stability without compromising application properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If cosmetic inks are made water-resistant, then durability improves, but ease of application and aesthetic properties may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater-resistanceVSAvoidapplication ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the polymer and surfactant parameters to achieve water-resistance through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions without compromising application ease. The formulation maintains appropriate viscosity and spreadability by optimizing the balance between water-soluble and water-resistant components, allowing easy application followed by rapid water-resistant film formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition achieves high stability, excellent adhesion, and intense color with a shiny appearance, remaining effective on the skin for an extended period without smudging or migrating, even after prolonged storage.

Implementation Method 1

at least one polymeric ionic thickener

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity increase:

Implementation Method 2

at least one anionic or amphoteric-ionic surfactant and at least one non-ionic surfactant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

at least one acryl-based polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 4

water-based cosmetic ink composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophilic interaction: Hydrophile

Data Source

PatentEP2164447B2Polymer-based pigment-bearing ink
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 SCHWAN STABILO COSMETICS

AI summary

Described is a cosmetic water-based ink containing at least one acryl- based polymer, at least one polymeric ionic thickener, at least one anionic or amphoteric-ionic surfactant, at least one material in particle form and at least one non-ionic surfactant, wherein the non-ionic surfactant is a compound which contains between 4 and 8 units of PEG or PPG and a C6 - C20 fatty acid residue.